The Spain international won the award ahead of Real Madrid stars, Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe on Monday night in Paris, France.
The 28-year-old took home the 2024 Ballon d’Or after winning the Premier League title with Man City and Euro 2024 with Spain.
As a result, no Real Madrid representative attended the ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris as Vinicius, who was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or, was snubbed.
Vinicius finished behind Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or final rankings.
However, Real Madrid were disappointed and did not send the Brazilian international or anyone to the Ballon d’Or event.
The Los Blanco knew prior to the award ceremony that Vinicius, who helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side to win both the LaLiga and UEFA Champions titles, will not be announced the winner for the award this year.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday, respected journalist, Femi Fabunmi, said: “Rodri also played a very big part last season for both club and country, so he’s deserving.
“Moreso, the Ballon D’Or has been awarded way too many to forwards and it will be a thing of joy to see a defensive minded player win it. It has been a long time since that happened.
“As for Vini not winning the award, it’s only normal for him to vent his anger by not showing up.
“All hopes were high on him winning it as he was tipped by all and sundry to emerge winner.”
On the decision Real Madrid took as a club not to travel to Paris or send a representative for the Ballon d’Or, Fabunmi added, “Real Madrid are only disappointed, they initially thought the award will come to Bernabeu.
“Maybe just maybe if Vini had won the Copa America with Brazil, we would have a different story.
“But as things stand at the moment, he should try his luck next time.”
